Busy First Day of Filings for City Office

The first day of the filing period for a seat on the Effingham City Council has been busy.

As of mid-morning Monday, Jeff Bloemker and Herman "Junior" Willis have filed for mayor. Bloemker is Executive Director of Heartland Human Services, while Willis is a retired city police officer.

The incumbent mayor, Merv Gillenwater, has decided to seek another term on the Council, but as a commissioner, not as mayor. Gillenwater was one of seven people to file for a city commissioner seat. Gillenwater served a term as a commissioner before being elected mayor in 2011. Incumbent commissioners Brian Milleville and Don Althoff also filed Monday morning, along with challengers Dustin Reardon, Kevin Esker, Michael Williamson and Kevin Willis. Kevin Willis is the brother of mayoral candidate Junior Willis.

Several changes on the Council are guaranteed, since Gillenwater is running for commissioner, rather than mayor, and since incumbent commissioners Alan Harris and Matt Hirtzel are not seeking re-election.

The filing period will continue through Monday, December 22.